UK police have called on organizers to call off a pro-Palestine demonstration planning to take place this weekend in London. This request follows the horrific attack on the Jewish community of Four Corners on October 3, 2025. It not only violates public safety, but it undermines the potential for unrest within that demonstration.
The protest, organized by CAA, COPAL, Black Immigrant Collective and other activist groups, seeks to raise awareness about the increasing crisis unfolding in Palestine. Police leaders fear there’s a perfect storm of recent violence that could heighten any backlash. They are concerned it will result in more agitation and unrest during the tournament. The shooting of worshippers in a synagogue, killing 11, has added pressure on events that bring people together around divisive political topics.
Activists helping to plan the protest have expressed alarm at the police’s request. They maintain that the knee-jerk reaction to the tragic incident should not be mixed up with their message calling for the defense of Palestinian rights. It is important to understand that they demonstrate not to inspire violence or hate but to focus our attention on humanitarian crises.
UK police have trumpeted their dedication to keeping the public safe and preventing disorder during protests. Now, once again, they have aggressively tripled down on their misguided position. If the industry event organizers decide to proceed with the event, they will do what’s needed to keep attendees safe. The possibility of violence between counter protestors and anti abortion activists at the protest location has been given as a major reason of concern.
With the weekend forecast bringing more chances for rain, the mood and anger here in London is palpable. The police’s call for cancellation points to some complications that they face. Like these examples, they have to maintain the right to protest while ensuring public safety. Here’s how the remarkable, unfolding story looked as police and activists braced for the #ShutDownSTL planned action.
